Quote Originally Posted by Sharla
I have in the past been too intent on attacking when against a southpaw who loved that and just waited to counter - I was so intent on attacking I didn't pick up on the fact that it was working against me.

I've gone completely the other way and started out too defensive - just looking for the counter attack myself and assuming that my opponent would rush me and make it easy for me to counter them - not realising that she was very cautious of that and I was better off being aggressive and forcing her off balance rather than waiting for her to put herself out chasing me.

So what I'm trying to say is I'm not sure it's an emotional thing with me so much of a tactical thing. Sure the pressure of competition has an effect also but I'm thinking in my case it's more of an additive factor rather than the cause of the problem. I'm introducing role playing into my training more and trying to remember to be all the different things I've been taught to be at different times ie - in-fighter and out-fighter, aggressive and defensive, pace myself and power up etc etc.

I'm trying to mix it up within a round when training so I can change mid round in a bout but I'm also looking for some very simple initial tests or observations i can act on right at the start of that first round so i can find my groove as quickly as possible. That's what I'd really appreciate suggestions for.
In alot of ways Feur has a similar problem sparring me,she knows the two things I live for is the inside,and I sit and wait on the jab.She knows I can block it all the live long day,and the second it hangs,Im coming.
Im having her abuse inanimate objects to get a feel for what its like to be well and truly pissed off while hitting something,and how to use it for her own good.